EDF Energy National Trophy

EDF Energy National Trophy
Bracknell 23 v Oxford 0

Match photos at http://www.solidphotos.com/main.php?g2_itemId=14498

Bracknell’s success last season by reaching the EDF Energy Intermediate Semi Final has promoted them up into the National Trophy level where, if they progress, they will face seriously good opposition from the national leagues. The first round draw was kind to them as, for the second time in 2 weeks; facing a desperate Oxford Harlequins who they defeated away 39-10 in the league.

As predicted, this match ended with Bracknell running out easy winners 23 – 0 but it also only served to confuse because, despite having 80% possession and similar field advantage, they still haven’t found the killer instinct necessary to dominate against good opposition.

Recent matches proved that Bracknell is a great team for around 50% of the game then play like schoolboys for the remainder. But, it was expected by Management, Players and Supporters that it is only a matter of time before they find the playing combination to prove they are a genuinely great team and by this, serious league contenders.

Reasons have been given why they haven’t yet fulfilled their potential but it seems that currently, that particular genie still hasn’t found its way out of the bottle!! They have fantastic players and for much of the game they looked capable of destroying the brave Oxford midfield but time after time they hit the self-destruct button as the line beckoned.

From the kick-off Bracknell swarmed all over a shocked Oxford and with in 18 minutes had scored two tries and a penalty to lead by 18-0. At this stage the genie had a smile on its face but it was a false promise as fast as it appeared to disappeared in a puff of smoke they may have also come from the pitch side BBQ.

The promising Neil Higgins who finished off a stylish move down the left, scored the first try. Ben Nowak missed the conversion but soon slotted over a penalty to move Bracknell into an 8-0 lead after 8 minutes. Following a well-controlled scrum deep in Oxford territory then some neat inter passing saw Andy Cox flashed past the static defenders to go in under the posts.

Nowak converted then, 3 minutes later scored from a penalty moving Bracknell into a comfortable18-0 lead.

Oxford’s motivation wasn’t helped when they lost Richard Greig for 10 minutes after a professional foul. The home team took advantage and a sweeping back row move orchestrated by the ever-influential fly half Jervis Manupennu saw Stu Mackay dive over in the corner. Novak’s conversion attempt missed but Bracknell had a substantial 23-0 lead as the second half approached.

In the second half with the home team playing down the slope, the floodgates were expected to open. Aggressive running by Bracknell gave them numerous opportunities to develop a landslide score but they lacked one critical ingredient and that is having someone who can finish off moves they had create. They are too slow in getting the ball to the runners and give the opposition time to get defenders in place.

Oxford are currently bottom of South West One. They have replaced their coach and two weeks ago they were well beaten by Bracknell so, they must be given credit for the fighting effort they showed, especially in the second half.

The reality is they only had 20% of the possession but they did enough to stop the Bracknell final scoring moves. On this performance they deserve better in the league and may be able to galvanise themselves into a strong defensive unit to frustrate others. It may also be possible for them to save their league status as Bracknell did two seasons ago.

Bracknell will look at this comfortable victory with some concern because despite the promise of previous weeks, their inability to finish off the scoring opportunities has to be quickly sorted out..

Along with Coach Sheasby, it is down to the talented finishes such as Nick Shears, Stu Mackay and Ollie Jones with the senior players to work out this problem. But any opponents thinking Bracknell are ready for the taking should think again.

They have an excellent defensive structure led by skipper Ben Nowak that many teams in the leagues above can only dream of. Sort out the final pass and they will dominate anyone in the South West 1.

Bracknell travel to Weston –Super –Mare next weekend and should be good enough to beat this west country team who are forth from bottom of the table but just round the corner are the tough games where a repeat performance of the second half form will bring tears to Lilly Hill.

****** Report courtesy of the Bracknell Times